Born and raised in Chatham, Brooke Linell was the talented singer who started the parade last year. She graduated last year from Nauset Regional High School. She has been pursuing her studies at the University of New Hampshire this past year.
Judges for this years parade will be
The grand marshal for this years parade will be Hank Hyora!
The countdown is on! The Chatham Independence Day Parade Committee is pleased to announce the theme for the 2018 Independence Day Parade – Hooked on Chatham!
As is the custom, the Committee solicited theme ideas from the public and this year’s theme was suggested by Suzanne Schneeberger, a regular visitor to Chatham who lives in Connecticut and is looking forward to the parade. The theme represents the idea that many people who live in or visit Chatham become “hooked” on many aspects of life here, and not just the fishing, but the boating, shopping, and dining; its beauty, history, beaches, and any reason that you are “hooked” on Chatham! “Let’s face it, we are all hooked on Chatham!” is how Schneeberger put it.
Parade participants will use the theme for inspiration to design their entries and be creative with why they are “hooked on Chatham.” Thousands of spectators are expected to line the streets of downtown Chatham for this year’s Independence Day Parade on Wednesday, the Fourth of July. “We announce the theme this early so prospective entrants can start designing their entries. There are a lot of creative people in this town and it’s amazing what they come up with each year,” Chairman Bohannon said.
Prize categories for float entries will be announced by the end of February and the entry form will be available in early March. You will be able to find the online form and downloadable form on this website starting in March. Forms will also be emailed to previous entrants in hopes of them joining us again.
Nominations for Parade Grand Marshal will be accepted during the month of May and the decision will be announced in June.
The Chatham Independence Day Committee is looking for additional volunteers to get involved with planning and managing the parade activities. Interested people should contact the committee at [email protected].
| Award Categories | 2017 Winner | Float # |
| OVERALL BEST in Parade | Bog Lane Farm | #91 |
| OVERALL 2nd Place | Phillips Farm Family | #53 |
| OVERALL 3rd Place | Chatham Pottery | #24 |
| Best Youth Float | Ken Owens Memorial Soccer Jamboree | #94 |
| Most Patriotic Float | John Cassaboon | #32 |
| Best Small Float | Fitzgerald Family | #56 |
| Best Large Float | Cape Cod Beach Chair | #4 |
| Best Civic Float | Friends of Monomoy | #95 |
| Funniest Float | Return of the Bridge Street Buccaneers | #1 |
| Best Family Float | Magner Family | #80 |
The countdown is on! The Chatham Independence Day Parade Committee is pleased to announce the theme for the 2017 Independence Day Parade – Chatham for the Holidays! This year’s theme celebrates the notion that “Chatham is a great place to celebrate all holidays throughout the year” no matter when they fall.
As is the custom, the Committee solicited theme ideas from the public and this year’s theme was suggested by Chatham summer visitor Courtney Cratty. Inspired by how she has so much enjoyed celebrating the July 4th holiday in Chatham with her family for many years, she thought the theme was a perfect way for the community to honor and creatively celebrate what makes Chatham special over any holidays with family and friends. The Parade Committee agreed!
“With this announcement, the considerable creative talents that dwell in Chatham can now go to work to begin designing and constructing a parade float and ultimately compete for the coveted Chatham Cup which recognizes the Most Outstanding Float in the parade each year.” said Brad Schiff, IDP Committee Chair.
Last year’s winners were – “The Bridge Street Buccaneers” whose pirate puppet ship astounded the crowd and judges. In addition, this year, a Best Family Float has been added to the awards categories to inspire even more family participation.
The Chatham Independence Day Committee is looking for additional volunteers to get involved with planning and managing the parade activities. Interested people should contact the committee at [email protected].
| Award Categories | 2016 Winner | Float # |
| OVERALL BEST in Parade | Bridge Street Buccaneers | #73 |
| OVERALL 2nd Place | Chatham Health & Swim Club | #61 |
| OVERALL 3rd Place | Woman of Fishing Families | #89 |
| Best Youth Float | Ken Owens Memorial Soccer Jamboree | #29 |
| Most Patriotic Float | .Phillips Family Farm | #1 |
| Best Small Float | Cobb Family | #85 |
| Best Large Float | Chatham Pottery | #101 |
| Best Civic Float | Chatham Turkey Trot | #64 |
| Funniest Float | Martha and Philip Hoffman | #80 |
The countdown is on! With a little less than 5 months to go, the Chatham Independence Day Parade Committee is proud to announce the 2016 theme for the Fourth of July Parade
“Freedom is not Free” Celebrating freedom by honoring Chatham’s independence throughout history.
After reviewing a list of varied and thoughtful suggestions, the “Freedom is not Free” theme was selected for its representation of Chatham’s culture, character and heritage. The selected theme was submitted by South Chatham summer resident, Kara Ann Smith. Kara and her family have been coming to Chatham since 1960.
Applications for parade participants will be available in early March. For up to date information, please visit the Chatham Parade page on Facebook or join the e-newsletter by sending an email to [email protected].
Need ideas on how best to start building a float? Then visit our page on how to build an award winning float and jump start your creativity.
Thank you to those who submitted their ideas for the 2016 Chatham Fourth of July Parade Theme. The suggestions are now being evaluated by the parade committee and the selected theme will be shortly announced.
Planning is underway so mark your calendars for next year’s Chatham 4th of July parade.